Early Pennsylvania Puzzle Balls and More
If you collect Pennsylvania puzzle balls, pincushions, fabric birds or generally interesting early textiles, this eye-catching group may hold something for you. Each of the seven pieces featured here is described and priced individually. All date from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s and all come from private collections.
Early Hard-to-Find Ball Rattle. Wrapped in fabric and covered with decorative needlework in a geometric design, this small ball rattle dates from the first half of the 19th c. There is miner wear to the fabric as the photos show. But this is a rare and lovely piece. 6” in circumference. $325
SOLD Very Large Straw-Stuffed Puzzle Ball with Bird Pincushion. Made of a multi-colored plaid knit, this straw-stuffed puzzle ball is 21-1/2” in circumference at the widest point. Attached to the ball is a 10-1/4” pincushion “dove” with appliquéd blue eyes and embroidery work to indicate wings. As the photos show, there are a few small holes in the fabric of the ball, but the overall condition is very good. A beautiful and unusual piece of work. Fourth quarter 1800s.
SOLD Plump Velvet Strawberry. There’s nothing quite like the patina of old velvet. This 4-1/2” high fabric strawberry has a miner stain but no rips or holes. Very good condition.
SOLD Small Bird Pincushion with Yarn “Feathers.” Just 6” long from its yarn crest to its, tail, this colorful pincushion shows a slight bit if age wear but appears to have never been used. Embroidered with the initial “E” on the underside.